To-Do List #6

For Monday, Feb. 20

• Three story ideas: We’ll have our next pitch session during class. Remember that at least two out of your four stories this semester must be beat related.
• Readings: Chapter 6: Writing Mobile-Friendly Web Stories

By Midnight Saturday, Feb. 25

• Blogging your beat: Two posts related to your beat. Share both blog entries via Twitter, your professional FB page, and LinkedIn. Think of how you can optimize these posts.
• Tweeting your beat: Tweet about your beat. This can include retweets, but I recommend providing context when you re-tweet something. You should be re-tweeting, replying , and using hashtags on a regular basis—important for engagement. You do not have to use #NewhouseMoJo for these items. Don’t forget to check your beat-related Twitter list! Also, I recommend building your “following” by routinely following others who will provide you with valuable content and by sharing as well as liking their content. (Tips from NPR: Get a Twitter habit: 5 things to do every day until it sticks)

Due by end of class, Wednesday, March 1

By the end of class, upload the story submission document to Blackboard. 

Multimedia Story #2

All of these items will be published together on your website. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on NCC News as well.

• 550-600 word story with mobile-friendly layout (subheadings, bullet points, key points, pull-quotes, etc.)
• 2-3 images taken with a mobile device. Remember to caption all photos.
• Video (1-1:30) produced using the iMovie mobile app and embedded in your story.

Reporting Across Social Media

These items must be spread out during the reporting process: share as you go. You should have a social media game plan for every story before heading out the door. Below are the items you’re required to share while producing your first story. Remember, posts should be social media optimized. For example, they’ll  include @mentions, hashtags, tags, and visuals — items that lead to increased engagement. Also, it’s a good idea to periodically mention you’re covering the story for NCC News  by @mentioning in posts.

• At least four tweets (which include the items below). Give your audience meaningful info: use quotes from sources, ask a question about the story, provide a behind-the-scenes look. Don’t simply write, “here’s a tease of my story” or “package coming soon.” This is newsroom jargon and doesn’t engage our audiences. Remember to optimize those tweets!
• A “readable” social media video produced with the Adobe Spark Video app. Share to Twitter and your professional Facebook page. Keep this around :30 seconds.
• At least one social media graphic produced with Adobe Spark Post or Canva. Share to Twitter and your professional Facebook page.
• Create a Wakelet with the items mentioned above.